Page 36 of Broken Dreams

What did it matter? It would be better than sitting inside his motel room. The logical side of his head told him to decline her offer, to stay far away from her until it was time to book himself another flight back to Virginia.

Instead, he heard himself answer, “Sure. I'll be right back.”

Amber sneaked several glances at Nick as they walked through the lakefront festival grounds. She'd borrowed Alec’s car since he was working again, and there had been no sign of the rental Nick had gotten for their date at DiCarlos’s restaurant. She’d pointed out to her brother that he owed her a favor after barging into Nick’s motel room, and he’d reluctantly agreed. It didn't come close to payback for his rude behavior, but it was a start.

The ride downtown was unusually quiet. She was getting the distinct impression Nick wouldn't have called if she hadn't gone looking for him.

Uncertainty gnawed at her. Was she pushing too hard? Yeah, probably. It wasn’t like her to chase after a guy. Or maybe it was, since she’d longed for something more with Shane, too.

The thought brought her up short. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. Then again, spending a few hours at the festival would be fun. And Nick seemed as if he could use the outing.

Friendship, she silently reminded herself. This day would be about friendship.

“That looks good,” Nick said, eyeing two men walking by with huge bratwursts slathered with sauerkraut.

“Usinger's famous sausage, my favorite.” Her mouth watered at the pungent scent. “I’m sure it’s not the same as what you’d get in Germany, but it still tastes great. Come on, let’s grab lunch.”

“I’m game.” He insisted on paying for their two sausages, then led the way to an empty spot at a picnic table. “I have to admit, it looks exactly like the food we had in Germany.”

“Really?” She was glad to hear it. She grinned and took a big bite. “Maybe I’ll get to Germany, one day. At least I know the food is good.”

He chuckled and took a bite of his own meal. “This is great.”

When they finished eating, she led the way to one of the stages where a band and dancers were assembled. The bright blue and green costumes flared when one of the girls twirled experimentally. “Okay, I know this probably isn’t as authentic as being in Germany, but it’s still awesome to watch.”

“The whole festival is far more realistic than I would have imagined.” He nodded at the stage. “How many different bands play here?”

“About a dozen.” She grinned. “During Summer Fest there are far more bands playing, ever music genre you can imagine. But for the ethnic festivals, they stick with the music favored by that country.”

“Wow.” He looked around in surprise. “Do you have festivals like this all summer?”

“Yep, starting in June and going into September. Festa Italiana, Irish Fest, Polish Fest, Mexican Fiesta.” She ticked them off on her fingers. “Those are my favorites. There are more, but I can’t honestly say I’ve been to them all.”

They wandered around the grounds, listening to the variety of folk music and trying different types of German food.

“I think the Schnitzel was my favorite,” Nick admitted, licking his fingers after eating the tasty treat. “And don’t tell anyone, but I think this one tasted better than what I had when stationed in Germany.”

She laughed. “I won’t.”

They sat and watched a variety of shows, people watching, as much as enjoying the entertainment. Oddly the time seemed to fly by. They ate dinner at another of the German restaurant tents, until Nick protested that he couldn’t eat another bite.

Later that evening, as dusk fell, they made their way closer to the lakefront.

“We need to find a good spot.” She scanned the grassy area intently. Several yards away, she noticed a perfect area partially hidden by an outcropping of rocks.

“For what?” He raised a brow.

“To watch the drone show. They’ve replaced fireworks here with drones, because of the fire hazard.” She tugged on his arm. “Let's head this way, where there are less people.”

“We are going to get eaten alive by mosquitoes.”

She glanced at him over her shoulder, as she led the way on a zigzag path through the other onlookers. “Don't worry. Once we've claimed our squatter’s rights, I'll go back to Alec’s car and get a blanket and can of bug spray.” She grinned. “Come on, did you really think I was a rookie at this?”

“Guess not.”

Once she'd gotten Nick settled in the spot where she wanted to sit, she headed back to her brother’s car. The night air was still warm, so there was no need for a sweatshirt. She did grab Alec’s oversized blanket and mosquito spray. She walked back to where she'd left Nick, smiling at the way he was stretched out on his side, his head propped on his elbow, looking as relaxed as she'd ever seen him.

“I'm glad you took your pain medicine today,” she said.

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